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Concert wrap-up
My last concert of the season was tonight. It went quite well, especially considering that we had a lot of bugs to work out -- shortened rehearsal schedule, an unusual piece, only two chances to work with the new maestro before the first show last night, a performance space with terrible acoustics. But it all came together, well enough anyway that I'm content with it.
We performed two pieces. One is "Cosmic Flames" by Chinese composer Zhou Long, commissioned by the conductor of the Stanford Symphony specifically for this group -- symphony orchestra, large choir, and Japanese taiko drums. It was, like most modern pieces, a challenge: not straightforwardly melodic, big, loud, not at all suited to the space. But parts of it were great fun to sing. And I always love a good drum piece, and this was definitely that. (Hmm, why do I have no taiko recordings?) I don't usually order concert CDs, but this one I think I'll pick up, if nothing else so I can get an idea of how it really sounded out in the audience.
The second was the last movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. What more is there to say, really? One of the most perfect pieces of music ever written, from the cellos and their argument with the rest of the orchestra, to the melody everyone knows, to the lovely balanced solo quartet, the ringing choral cadences and one of my favorite fugues ever. It makes me sad, when I think of it, to know that Beethoven only ever heard it in his head.
So overall a satisfying experience. Now I get my summer off to rest up for the next time. (Bernstein, Chichester Psalms. Which I have done, but a long time ago. Relearning that one should be fun.)
We performed two pieces. One is "Cosmic Flames" by Chinese composer Zhou Long, commissioned by the conductor of the Stanford Symphony specifically for this group -- symphony orchestra, large choir, and Japanese taiko drums. It was, like most modern pieces, a challenge: not straightforwardly melodic, big, loud, not at all suited to the space. But parts of it were great fun to sing. And I always love a good drum piece, and this was definitely that. (Hmm, why do I have no taiko recordings?) I don't usually order concert CDs, but this one I think I'll pick up, if nothing else so I can get an idea of how it really sounded out in the audience.
The second was the last movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. What more is there to say, really? One of the most perfect pieces of music ever written, from the cellos and their argument with the rest of the orchestra, to the melody everyone knows, to the lovely balanced solo quartet, the ringing choral cadences and one of my favorite fugues ever. It makes me sad, when I think of it, to know that Beethoven only ever heard it in his head.
So overall a satisfying experience. Now I get my summer off to rest up for the next time. (Bernstein, Chichester Psalms. Which I have done, but a long time ago. Relearning that one should be fun.)
taiko
(Looks at music selection.)
Ah, I also have something by the Ondekoza. Forgot what that group sounded like, so now I'm off to remind myself... :)
Re: taiko
Re: taiko
In the past they had alternated between Stanford and Berkeley for their performance venues. According to their website, their 2008 tour is limited to Europe, Japan and South America.
Re: taiko
Thanks for the rec! I will check it out. :)